How to get the preview of Windows 11 2025 Update (version 25H2) ahead of Microsoft’s official release

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Even though Microsoft won’t release the public version of Windows 11 25H2 for some time yet, the upcoming features are currently accessible as a preview via the Windows Insider Program, allowing you to experience them ahead of others right now.

At the moment, users with devices running on version 24H2 can update to the new feature via the Release Preview Channel. If your device is currently running on version 23H2, you can upgrade to version 24H2 first, and then you’ll be able to access the upcoming version 25H2 when it becomes available.

As an eager anticipator, I’m excited to share with you a step-by-step walkthrough on how to pre-install the ultimate edition of Windows 11 slated for 2025, even before its official launch!

How to switch to Windows 11 version 25H2 early

To get the Windows 11 2025 Update, follow these steps: First, sign up your computer for the Windows Insider Program to access the newest features. Then, download and install this feature update’s latest preview version. After installation, don’t forget to remove your device from the Windows Insider Program.

The upcoming installation contains a new version that hasn’t been fully tested yet. This means there might be errors or issues encountered during and following the update process. To minimize potential problems, it would be wise to backup your computer before going ahead with the update. In case you decide to proceed despite the risk, it is strongly advised to install this preview update on a secondary device rather than your primary system. Just a heads up!

Step 1: Enroll PC in Release Preview

The upgrade option for the current feature update is accessible via an enablement package on the Release Preview Channel for version 24H2. To gain access to this, you’ll need to sign up your computer for the Windows Insider Program initially.

To enroll Windows 11 in the Release Preview Channel, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click the Windows Insider Program page on the right side.

  1. Click the Get started button.
  1. Click the “Link an account” button.
  1. Confirm your Microsoft account credentials.
  2. Click the Continue button.
  3. Select the “Release Preview” option under the “Pick your Insider settings” section.
  1. Click the Continue button.
  2. Click the Continue button to agree to the terms and conditions.
  3. Click the Restart button.

After finishing the given steps, the device will become a member of the Windows Insider Program, allowing you to move forward with the update procedure to version 25H2.

Step 2: Install Windows 11 version 25H2

Once you’ve registered this device on the appropriate setup, you’re all set to commence the update of the operating system through the “Windows Update” options.

Given that we’re dealing with an enabling package, you can expect the procedure to be quick, taking just a handful of minutes, because there’s no need for a full-blown operating system reinstallation.

To get the Windows 11 version 25H2 on your computer, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings after the reboot.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Turn on the “Get the latest updates as soon as they’re available” toggle switch.
  1. Click the “Check for updates” button to download the latest updates for version 24H2 (if applicable).
  2. Click the Restart button.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Click on Windows Update.
  5. Click the “Download & install” button to switch to version 25H2.
  1. Click the Restart now button.

Once you’ve finished the given steps, your device (provided it’s relevant) will automatically receive an update to change the version number from 24H2 to 25H2, activating related new features.

To confirm if the feature update has been installed on your computer, follow these steps: Go to ‘Settings’, then ‘System’, and finally ‘About’. In the ‘Windows Specifications’ section, you should see that the operating system version number has been updated to version “25H2”.

Step 3: Unenroll PC from Release Preview

Once your computer has been updated to version 25H2, you can choose to smoothly disengage from the software while still retaining the new version and regularly receiving updates via the Stable Channel. This will continue until the latest version is no longer officially available for all users following its official release, as long as it remains supported.

To opt out of the Windows Insider Program, use these steps:

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Click on Windows Update.
  3. Click the Windows Insider Program page on the right side.
  1. Click the “Stop getting preview builds” setting.
  2. Turn on the “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases” toggle switch to remove the PC from the program.

After finishing the procedures, once the official release of the feature update occurs, your computer will smoothly transition out of the Windows Insider Program and into the Stable Channel. This is because both channels will be using the same codebase at that point in time.

Following the device’s exit from the program, there’s no need for you to re-install the operating system again. Instead, you can maintain the existing setup, which will continue to get regular updates as long as version 25H2 remains supported. This means your device will keep updating without needing a fresh OS installation.

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2025-09-06 18:10